Highlights:

Step 1: Prepare the trellis

Turn the trellis upside down so that the tapered end is upright. Leave the trellis its natural color or spray paint it to coordinate with the planter. Wire the tapered end closed by weaving the wire in and around the trellis. Place the trellis on top of the planter with the tapered end upright.

Courtesy of Lucie Rowe

Step 2: Secure the trellis to the planter

Drill four small holes through the side of the planter near the rim using a 1/8-inch drill bit or awl, making sure the holes are evenly spaced around the pot and are near the cross bars. Place the wire through the holes in the side of the planter using 20-gauge wire. Twist the wire around the cross bars. This will secure the trellis.

Step 3: Add the rope lighting

Wrap the rope lighting around the trellis, securing the end at the top (not the plug end) and working your way down. Wrap the lights in a spiral fashion. Secure the lighting loosely with cable ties, adjusting for spacing as you go. If you pull the lighting too tightly, it will have harsh bends that are square looking as opposed to rounded. Wrap additional strands of rope lighting to cover the entire trellis for a solid spiral.

Courtesy of Lucie Rowe

Step 4: Add the evergreen branches

Add loose evergreen branches to dress up the spiral tree. Start by fanning a variety of loose evergreen branches around the rim of the planter to conceal where the trellis and planter meet. Make sure the branches hang over the rim of the pot. Secure branches with hot glue and/or wire. Bundle full, loose branches with wire. Bundles should be long enough to extend out from the pot several inches. Bury the stems of the bundle into the soil or sand in the planter, and secure them to the trellis using wire. Fill the lower portion of the planter until you have a full arrangement.

Step 5: Create the topper

Create a topper by securing additional evergreen bundles to the top of the trellis with wire.